About South Africa

Nationals from the UK, EU, USA and Canada do not need an entry visa. You will need two consecutive blank pages in your passport and more than 6 months to expiry on entry. If you take more than R5,000 into South Africa you will be questioned. You must have a return ticket which you will normally be required to show on entry.

Personal Security in South Africa has continued to have bad press and in our view the general impression is misplaced. Nearly 2/3rds of crime occurs in locations which you will not visit and as with most countries there are some simple, commonsense rules to adopt. What you will find is a country that has adopted ‘zero tolerance’ for its principal cities as its policing style which was the approach that cleaned up New York City. You will find ample Police presence on the streets.

Our maps and ‘Care Package’ are very detailed and guide you to your destinations but they also point out areas to avoid (unless in an organised tour group) and some basic ‘do’s and don’ts.

Service standards are among the highest anywhere in the world.

Cape history dates back 500 years. Many of our properties are set in villages and towns noted for their thatched ‘Cape Dutch’ style houses and farms.

Restaurants are among the best in the world – and offer amazing value.

Shopping is a dream! You can buy at a fraction of prices at home in world class malls and you will want to make time in your schedule to shop – but just remember there are weight limits on your flight home!

The vineyards are among the oldest and most beautiful anywhere. Here you will taste very affordable excellent wines.

There are few other places in the world where you can swim with penguins and nowhere with the warmth of the Indian Ocean.

South Africa is a car drivers’ paradise with empty roads and with petrol costing much less than British and European prices although around twice the price of American gas. Even a trip to the filling station is a pleasant experience. South Africans drive on the left – just like the UK but even our American and European clients will find driving very easy!

Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Amex) are widely used – with the exception of filling stations which accept cash only.

Health requirements are minimal . Most of South Africa is malaria-free and tap water is safe to drink. If you are travelling in the extreme north of the country, the Kruger Park, Limpopo lowlands, Northern Zululand, or if you are going to Victoria Falls then we recommend taking anti malaria precautions for which you should seek advice from your doctor.

South Africa is in the same time zone as Europe so our European and British clients can forget about jet lag. For American clients, South Africa is 6 hours ahead of EST during their winter season (April – October) and 7 hours ahead during their summer months (November – March).